Vietnam Report - March 25, 2011

A Banquet of Thanksgiving

Tonight we celebrated being together one last time before the team disperses tomorrow. It was a time of appreciation and picture taking.

There are some things that can only be understood once you have experienced them. I've heard the stories of returning teams from Vietnam since 1997 (the very first team). I've heard Binh speak many a time in our church and during the October COPI Banquet, but I understand things in a new way.

How do you explain serving some 2000 children, the long and humid days? How do you communicate the mixed emotions upon looking into the eyes of children, many of whom suffer from lack of love and basic medical care and daily provisions? How can I explain seeing children with hydrocephalus, yet being unable to pick them up for fear of breaking their necks? How can I explain the numerous times a doctor or a nurse had to take an emotional break just to cry in order to pull it together to continue serving? And, of course, how do you serve when you are dead tired on your feet without complaining with still 90 children yet to see?

One thing is clear, the Vietnamese team is top-notch. Binh has assembled some of the brightest and best dentists, nurses, logistical support, and interpreters of Vietnam. They are incredibly intelligent, patient, kind and tireless workers.

This year's American team bonded well. There was little whining or complaining. There was alot of encouragement and strenghtening of each other.

The word used tonight to describe our experience was "family." COPI has become more than a nonprofit, non-governmental organization. It has become a family. People who have met challenges together, stuck together, and accomplished something of value that will have impact in the local communities. This group has bonded and become friends.

We will never have this exact experience ever again. Even if we all returned next year and went to the same places and saw the same people, it would not be the same. This experience was truly unique and powerful. It was a gift. As such, it needs to be cherished and put to work for further good.

Now the task of the team is to reflect upon its experience and to be prepared to share their stories of what happened. It is my experience from previous short-term mission trips that most people are willing to politely inquire about the trip, "How was the trip?" Most, however, are willing to give only 1-2 minutes of their attention to listen. A few are willing to listen for 10-12 mimutes, and, precious rare individuals are willing to listen as long as it takes for the person to tell their story.

I'll write more about this tomorrow. But, for now, it is to bed, since it is almost 12 midnight so that we can get up early enough to pack for the long journey home.

Please keep the team in prayer as we travel. P. Jim, Raina, and Binh will be extending their trips a few days before they return home.

I have missed our family at Good Shepherd (and beyond) and look forward to being with you all.

P. Jeff